Operating means for movable members of airplanes or other apparatus



Aug, 2, 1949. E. E. WALLACE OPERATING MEANS FOR MOVABLE MEMBERS OFAIRPLANES OR OTHER APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 24, 1942 INVENT OR.

Aug. 2, 1949 E. E. WALLACE OPERATING MEANS FOR MOVABLE MEMBERS OFAIRPLANES OR OTHER APPARATUS 5 Shee ts-Sheet 2 Filed Aug 24, 1942lNVEN-TOR.

Aug. 2, 1949. E E WALLACE OPERATING MEANS FOR MOVABLE MEMBERS OFAIRPLANES OR OTHER APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Aug. 24, 1942 Q m[VII INVENTOR.

Aug. 2, 1949. E. E. WALLACE OPERATING MEANS FOR MOVABLE MEMBERS OFAIRPLANES OR OTHER APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Aug. 24, 1942INVENTOR.

m m FM 1 Aug. 2, 1949. E. E. WALLACE 2,478,068

' OPERATING MEANS FOR MOVABLE MEMBERS OF AIRPLANES OR OTHER APPAFATUS 5Sheets-$heet 5 Filed Aug. 24, 1942 Flalq Hon.

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UNITED STATE Patented Aug. 2, 194

Edward E. Wallace, Cleveland Heights, 01110; Daisy T. Wallaceadministratrix of said Edward TENT OFFICE E. Wallace, deceasedApplication August 24, 1942, Serial No. 455,894

16 Claims.

This invention relates to means for operating and controlling a movablemember or members to and from one or more positions, each such operationand control being effected in a simple manner by a, single manualoperation. The invention may be employed to operate the load carrying orhandling device in excavating, hoisting and conveying apparatus,elevators to and from various stations, machine tool equipment where theoperation of a movable part is to be controlled; likewise the inventionmay be employed cooperate and control one or more movable parts of avehicle, for example, parts of an airplane, such as the rudder, theelevators, the

simultaneous movement in a ready manner.

and downwardly.

becomes useless.

landing gears, the flaps, or th ailerons and any 1 in either directionto any predetermined position. other movable equipment which may beprovided Another object of the invention is to, provide on the airplane.The invention also relates to an in an airplane having a member movableto 'difairplane, whereby flying, maneuvering and landierent selectivepositions; an improved operating ing thereof are facilitated, andcontrol of the mechanism having a manuallyoperated selector airplaneunder abnormal conditions may be and arranged to automatically move saidmemmaintained to avoid possible undue damage. her to and from successiveselected positions, in

In one application of the invention, as shown co-ordinated relation tothe movement of the sein Figs. 1 to 16, inclusive, the means embodyinglector. 5 r my invention are illustrated connected to the A furtherobject of the invention is to provide flaps of an airplane, whereby thepilot may opfor the movable member a: an airplane animerate both oreither one thereof from their norproved operating mechanism comprising afluid mal position upwardly or downwardly. Accordoperated meansconnected to said member, a seingly, in this application of theinvention I prolector, and electrical control means between the vide acontrolling mechanism for each flap, but selector and fiuidsupply forsaid fluid operated mount the hand'operated devices therefor in sidemeans, provision being inadetb open the circuits by side relation inthe'cock-pit, whereby they may for said electrical control means whenthe movbe operated separately or connected together for able me'm'berisat rest.

Other objects: 'ot'the invention will be appar- One object of theinvention is to provide an imout to those skilled in the art to which myinproved airplane the wings of which are provided vention relates 'fromthe -following description With flaps mounted thereon to swing upwardlytaken in connection with the accompanying V drawings, wherein Anotherobject of the invention is to provide p 1 is a D1311 f h ai hn embodyingan improved airplane the wings of which are myinventiom provided withailerons and flaps arranged to move 40 Fig 2 is a Scflon on the line ofFig 1, downwardly and upwardly relative to the wings enlarged of the iwhereby the flaps may be Fig. 3 is-a, fragmentary view of parts shown inated to function as ailerons or serve to stabilize H 2 1 d h in th fl mt 1 I the airplane where a wing or a portion thereof en arge i 9w g ucon r0 Va V8 in one open position, and being a section on the i 1' 3-4 F1 Another obiect of the invention is to provide for a movable member animproved operating and 3a is a fragmentary section showing thecontrolling mechanism therefor having fluid opfluid control Valvfi inclosedposmonerated devices, which are electrically controlled. 3b is aView Similar butlshowing Another object of the invention is to provide efluid C l l i in s other pen P t for the movable member of an airplanean im- Fig. 3c is a fragmentary view, partly in secproved fluid operatedmechanism, wherein means tion on the line 3c3'c' of Fig, 5, of certaindeare provided for controlling the travel of the tails. a piston of suchmechanism any desired distance, Fig. 3d is a section "on the line3d-'-3d of Fi 3c, enlarged.

whereby the movable member of an airplane may be moved o and. held 1 .1any prede ermin osition within the range of movement thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved mechanisms foroperating movable members of an airplane, arranged tobe interconnectedwhereby both members may be simultaneously controlled.

Another object of theinventionis to provide in an airplane having amovable member operated by fluid under pressure, the fluid control valveof which is normally held in closed position, improved 'inechanism forcontrolling the movement of the valve to openand closed positions tomove the movable member of theairplane Fig. 3e is a fragmentary sectionof parts shown in Fig. 3, enlarged.

Fig. 4 is a bottom plan view of parts shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is an end elevation of parts shown in Figs. 3 and 4. i

Fig. 6 is a section on the line 6-5 of Fig. 3, enlarged.

Fig. '7 is a fragmentary elevation of a portion of the cock-pit showingtheposition of the control devices or levers in convenient position forthe pilot, parts being broken away; this view being enlarged and takenon the line II of Figs. 1 and 8.

Fig. 7a is a section through the side walls of the cock-pit showing inplan the control levers on the line 7a--7a of Fig. '7.

Fig. 8 is a view of the line 8-8 of Fig. '7, partly in elevation andpartly in section.

Figs. 8a and 8b are plan and side elevational views, respectively, ofthe trigger for opening and closing the main circuit.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary 9-9 of Fig. '7.

Figs. 10, 11 and 12 are sections on the lines II)II!, I I-II and I2--I2,respectively, of Fig. 7.

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary section on the line I 3I3 of Figs. 8, and 15a,enlarged.

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary plan view on the line I II4 of Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary sectional view on the line I5I5 .of Fig. '7.

Fig. 15a is a fragmentary view similar to Fig. 15, somewhat enlarged.

plan view on the line Figs. 16, 1'7 and 18 are sections on the linesI6I6, III7 and I8- -IB, respectively, of Fig. 15. Figs. 18a and 18b areviews similar to Fig. 18,

but showing the arm in its operated positions.

Fig. 19 is a section on the line I9--I9 of Fig. 15.

Fig. 20 is a section on the line 211-20 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 21 is a section on the line 2I-2I of Fig. 20.

Figs. 22 and 23 are views similar to Fig. 20, but showing the part indiiferent positions.

Fig. 24 is a section on the line 2424 of Fig. 20.

Fig. 25 is a diagrammatic view.

In the drawings, I indicates as an entirety an airplane which may be ofany desired construction. I have illustrated an airplane of the sesquiamphibian type, the sponsons 2 ofwhich (see dotted lines in Fig. 1) areprovided with landing gears 3 shown in dotted lines in non-operatingposition. The illustrated construction of airplane is provided withsuitable motors (not shown) driving propellers 4. The number andarrangement of propellers form no part of the present invention. Theairplane comprises a fuselage 5 providing a cock-pit 5a, wings 6, flaps6, ailerons I, a rudder 8 and elevators 9. The parts referred to may beof any desired construction, and each of those which are movable may beconnected to and operated by mechanism such as hereinafter set forth,although for the purpose of showing one application of the invention theflaps 5' only are shown so connected and operated. As the mechanisms foroperating the flaps 6, 6, are similar in construction, only one completemechanism and the lever and parts of the indexing means for the othermechanism are illustrated.

Fig. 2 shows in cross section one wing 6 provided on its rear ortrailing edge with a recess or chamber I0. The inner side wall IlJa ofthe recess extends from spaced struts I I (one only being shown),adjacent the lower or bottom wall of the wing 6, upwardly and inwardly;the upper 4 end of the wall is bent outwardly and suitably connected tothe upper wall of the wing. The wall Illa and end walls IIlb of thechamber I0 close the wing against intake of dirt and the elements. Thestruts II are provided with suitable bearings for a shaft I2 on whichthe adjacent flap B swings. The flap 6 is normally held in the positionshown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, but may be swung upwardly and downwardly asshown in dotted lines in Fig. 2, for control of the airplane, thechamber In accommodating the inner end of the flap when the latter isswung upwardly. Below the struts I I, the opposed walls .of the wing 6and flap 6' are relieved, as shown at I3, I3a, respectively, to permitthe flap to swing downwardly as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2.

The flap 6' is operated by a fluid, such as oil, under pressure by meansof a piston M connected by a pitman I4 with the adjacent flap 6', andslidable in a cylinder Ma, which is preferably pivoted on a shaft I5,the latter being suitably supported on brackets I6 (one only beingshown) carried by the struts of the wing structure. The inner end of thecylinder Ma has connected to its two pipes lfi, Ifia, and its outer endhas connected to it two pipes I6, I 6a, the flow of the fluid througheach pipe to and from the adjacent end of the cylinder I la beingcontrolled by a valve indicated as an entirety at H. Due to the factthat the flap 6 is to be held in normal position and also moved to andheld at varying angles, as well as at the extreme limit of its movementin either direction, provision is made for supplying to each end of thecylinder Ma through one pipe fluid under high pressure (approximatelylbs. for example) and through the other pipe fluid under a lowerpressure (approximately 10 lbs. for example), the valve II serving tosupply the fluid under high pressure to one side of the piston M andsimultaneously connect the low pressure fluid supply with the other endof the cylinder Ma dependent upon the direction in which the piston I4is to be moved. I8 indicates a pipe leading from a source of fluidsupply under high pressure and I8a indicates a pipe leading from asource of fluid supply under low pressure, both pipes being connected tothe valve casing in a well known manner. The valve element I1 of thevalve I1 is normally held in closed position (see Fig. 3a) by a coiledspring I9, which is .put under tension when the valve element is movedin either direction (see Figs. 3 and 3b), the spring I9 being connectedat one end to an arm 20 fixed to the shank of the valve element I1 andits opposite end being anchored on a bracket I9a suitably secured to thewall of the cylinder Ma (see Fig. 5). The valve element I I, is providedwith three ducts Ila, I11), I10, arranged to close the fluid supply frompipe I8 and fluid discharge through pipe lea, but when the valve elementI1 is moved to the Fig. 3 position the duct I'Ia registers with thepipes I8 and I6 and the duct I'Ic registers with the pipe Ifia and pipeIBa (pipes I6 and I60. being closed by the valve element I1) and whenthe valve element I1 is moved tothe Fig. 3b position the duct I'Iaregisters with the pipes I8 and I6 and the duct I'Ib registers with thepipes I Ba and I 8a, (pipes I6 and Ifia being closed by the valveelement I'I') ports being provided in the valve casing to permit of therespective fluid connections.

Means indicated as an entirety at 2| are provided for operating thevalve element F! in either direction, these operating means beingconnected in by the operation of a lever 22a forming part of an indexingmechanism, indicated as an entirety at 22, and valve releasing means,indicated as an entirety at 2!, controlled by the flap 6' are provided,so that when the piston l4 has moved a predetermined distance, accordingto the operation of the indexing mechanism 22, to swin the adjacent flap6' to the desired angle, the valve I7 is automatically closed, to cutoff the supply of high pressure fluid to one end of the cylinder andstop discharge of the fluid from the opposite end of the cylinder to thelow pressure supply pipe la, the efiect of which is to hold or look thepiston at the position where cut-off takes place and prevent itsmovement in either direction due to the fluid in the cylinder I la onboth sides of the piston l4 and accordingly rigidly support the flap 6'in normal position or at the desired angle to the wing 6.

The operating means 2| comprise the following: 23 indicates a frameconsisting of side bars 231; and a cross bar 23b at their lower ends. Asshown, the side bars 23a are connected (as by welds) at their upper endsto the wall of the cylinder Ma, whereby the frame 23 swings with thecylinder about the pivot l5. The cross bar 231) is formed with aplurality of recesses, each supporting a solenoid 23:1: one for theneutral position of the indexing mechanism 22 and one for each indexingposition A, B, C, and I, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, thereof. The solenoids 231 formpart of the releasing means 2l'. The core 233: of each solenoid (whenits coil is energized) is raised to serve as a contact to close acircuit, as later set forth. Each core is normally biased downwardly bya spring 231 such movement being limited by a pin 23y engaging the bar23b. 24 indicates as an entirety a double acting solenoid supported bythe frame 23. For this purpose, the side bars 23a of the frame areprovided with lateral extensions 23a (see Fig. 5) formed with alinedopenings which form seats for the solenoid 24. The solenoid 24 consistsof the following: 24 indicates axially related tubular members formed ofinsulating material, their outer ends being seated in the openings inthe extensions 23a and their inner ends being threaded into and securedtogether by a ring nut 24a. Each tubular member 24' is provided at itsopposite ends with flanges and between the flanges each tubular membersupports a coil 25 connected in a circuit 25m which is supplied withcurrent from a battery 25 (see Fig. 25), as later set forth. The innerwalls of the tubular members slidably support a core 21, which isconnected by a link 21a to an arm 20a fixed to the shank of the valveelement ll, so that by energizing either coil 25 the core may be movedfrom its normal position in either direction. When the lever 22a of theindexing mechanism 22 is in neutral position, as shown in Fig '7, or inany indexing position following the movement of the flap to anypredetermined position, both coils are de-energized, but when the lever22a is operated in either direction one of the coils 25 is energized andthen de-energized, as later set forth, according to the position towhich the lever 22a has been moved.

The indexing mechanism 22 comprises the following: 28 indicates abracket mounted on the instrument board 5a in the cock-pit 5a andfixedly supporting a shaft 28', the opposite end portions of which formthe pivots on which the levers 22a for the two indexing mechanisms 22swing independently or together, as later set forth. 29 indicates arcshaped racks each proided on a plate 29a, which is provided with ahollow boss 2% flxed to the adjacent outer end of the shaft 28'. Thepurpose of the racks will later be set forth. The bracket 28 extendsupwardly between the levers 22a and is provided with spaced arc shapedflanges 28a each formed with a plurality of notches 28a onecorresponding to the neutral position of the adjacent lever 22a and onecorresponding to each indexing position. By preference each notch 28a isone flange alines with one of the notches of the other flange, and eachtwo alined notches correspond to the same indexing position of the twoindexing mechanisms, as will be observed in Fig. 9. As shown in Figs. 3and 9, the wall of the bracket between the flanges 28a carries indiciaindicatthe alined notches.

Each lever 22a consists of an upper portion 22a and a lower portion 22a"connected together at one side by an intermediate wall 22a: .shaped toform a recess 3!) and a guard 22:0 (see Fig. 7) for leads to be laterreferred to. A rod 3| is supported in the upper and lower portions ofthe lever and extends through the recess 35] to serve as a shaft for abevel pinion 32, in mesh with the adjacent rack 2e, whereby swingingmovement of the lever 22a will serve to rotate the pinion 32. The lowerend of the pinion 32 rests on a bearing disk or collar 33 whereas itsupper end is provided with a hub 32:: which fits into and is keyed to adisk 3 (which is for-med of suitable insulating material) to effectrotation of the latter in the recess 36. At one side the disk 34 isformed with a recess 3 m in which is movably mounted an invertedmetallic cup shaped contact member 35 normal]; pressed upwardly by alight coiled spring 3511 interposed between its bottom wall and thebottom wall of the recess 35a. The upper surface of the bottom wall ofthe contact member 35 is provided with spaced contact de vices 35' (seeFig. 10) for a purpose later set forth. The upper lever portion 220. isshaped to form a head 36 on its lower end. Above the head 35 the leverportion 22a is hollow to enclose a plunger 45 31, which at its lower orinner end engages a trigger 38 and swings it about its pivot whenoperated downwardly. The trigger 33 is pivoted to the inner side of thelever 22a and extends through alined slots formed in the hollow walls ofthe lever 50 portion 22a. The nose of the trigger 38 is arranged to seatinto any one of the adjacent notches 28a dependent upon the movement ofthe lever 22a. The tail of the trigger is provided with a contact 38(suitably insulated from the 55 trigger) arranged when the trigger isseated in a notch 28a to engage a contact 39, the contacts 38, 39,serving as a switch to close the main circuit 250:, but to open saidcircuit during movement of the lever when the trigger is disengaged orremoved from one notch and until it is reseated in another notch,thereby preventing operation of the core 2'! and opening of the valve lluntil the indexing operation is completed. The

tail end of the trigger is normally biased upwardly by a spring at toinsure closing of the contacts 38', 39, when the trigger is seated in anotch 28a.

The plunger 31 is slidably supported by a pair of spaced collars Mmounted in the hollow section of the lever portion 22a, a coiled spring42 being 70 preferably interposed between the upper collar ll and a head42a threaded on the upper end of the plunger and slidably mounted in agrip device 421) fixed to the upper end of the lever 22a, to normallybias the plunger upwardly and permit action of 15, the spring 40 tooperate the trigger 38. As shown,

a collar on the head 42a is arranged to engage the grip device to limitthe upward movement of the plunger 37. The. grip device 42b is providedwith a lever Q22) pivoted thereon and engaging the upper end of the head42a (being preferably pivotally connected to the latter) so that whenthe grip device is grasped by the pilot to swing the lever 22a in eitherdirection, simultaneous operation of the lever 421) may be effected tomove the plunger 31 downwardly. The contact 39 is mounted in a casing39a. provided on the outer side of the lever portion 220: and projectsthrough an opening in the bottom wall thereof. A coiled spring 3%between the upper removable wall of the casing 353a and a collar on thecontact normally tends to move the latter toward the bottom wall of thecasing, which wall limits the outward movement of the contact 30 whenthe trigger 38 disengages the latter, but permits the contact to moveinwardly when engaged by the trigger.

The head 35 is recessed at 36c (See Figs. 7 and 15) to removably receiveand support a disk 43, which is formed of insulation material, inopposed relation to the disk 34. The dislr ts preferably has screwthreaded engagement with the inner side walls of the recess, 35a, asshown in Fig. 15. Embedded in the lower face of the disk 53 is anannulus 44 (see Fig. 11), formed of conducting material, in concentricrelation to the rod 3! and arranged to be engaged by the inner contactdevice 35. The annulus as is connected to a lead Ma, of a secondarycircuit M, the lead being connected. to one side of the battery 25. Alsoembedded in the lower face of the disk and in concentric relation to theannulus i l is a series of uniformly spaced contacts 135 (see Fig. 11)arranged to be engaged by the outer contact device 35. Each contact 45is connected by a lead 25a to one side of the coil for one of thesolenoids 23a, (see Fig. 6) the opposite side or" the solenoid coilbeing connected by leads dill), 550, to complete the secondary circuit44' to the opposite side of the battery 26; there being one contact Afor the zero or neutral position of the lever 22a and one contact 05 foreach indexing position. As will be understood from Figs. 10, 11, 15 and25, the annulus 44 and contacts 35 are so related that in any positionof the lever 22a, the devices 35' on the contact member 35 Will contactthe annulus 54 and one of the contacts G5 to electrically connect themand upon operation of the valve element I I the secondary circuit willbe closed through one of the solenoids 23.73, the effect of which is toraise the adjacent core 23.22, of the solenoid in position forengagement by a contact device it (to which reference will later bemade) forming part of the valve releasing means 2i. Connected in thelead 450 of the secondary circuit as are switch devices M5 (laterreferred to) operated by the valve element I'll, so that when the valveI! is closed, this circuit is broken and when the valve element is movedin either direction to open position the circuit is closed through thesedevices. lowing the operation of the valve release means 2i, as laterset forth, will open the secondary circuit lit, the effect of which isto lie-energize the coil of the solenoid 23a: and thereby de-energizethe coil of a solenoid 5Ia, to permit closing of a normally closedswitch 5| and restoring of the main circuit 251: therethrough, as laterset forth, and to eliminate drain on the battery 2% following eachoperation of the flap 6' and during periods when the flap is held in itsnormal or any operated position.

Accordingly, the devices M5, fol- From the foregoing description-it willbe observed that when the lever 22a isoperated from neutral position ineither direction or from any indexing position to neutral position oranother indexing position, that the disk '34, due to engagement of thepinion 32 with the stationary rack 29, will be rotated to move the outercontact 35 into engagement with the contact corresponding to theselected indexing position to close the circuit 44' therethrough. Incarrying out each operation of the lever 2211, the trigger 38 isdisengaged from one notch 2811' by the plunger 31 and held in suchposition until the lever is moved to the selected indexing position,Whereupon the trigger is released and allowed to drop into the adjacentnotch. As the spacing between the contacts 45 is greater than thediameter or width of the contact devices 35, it wil be noted that thecircuit 44 is open during the indexing operation. Also, as already setforth, as the operation of the trigger serves to disengage the contact38' from the contact 39, no current flows to and through either coil 25of the solenoid 24 during movement of the disk 34 from one position toanother position due to swinging movement of the lever 22a.

The control of the main circuit 251: through either coil 25 is effectedthrough a make-andbreak mechanism, indicated as an entirety at I00,arranged between the bracket'28 and lever 22a, by the movement of thelatter from one position (neutral or an indexing position) to anotherposition, whereby the direction of movement of the core 21 will beco-ordinated with the 1 direction of movement of the lever in movingfrom neutral to any indexing position, or from the latter position toneutral or another indexing position. Of the make-and-break mechanismI00, IOI indicates a rack provided on the bracket 28 and engaged by apinion IOIa. The pinion I Illa is fixed to the upper end of a shaft IOIsuitably mounted in an arm I02 extending laterally from the lever wall22x. At its lower end the shaft IOI is provided with a gear I03 which isin mesh with a gear segment I03. The gear segment I03 is suitably keyedto the upper end of a sleeve I04, which is rotatably mounted in aseparate arm I02 extending laterally from the lever wall 221:, andcarries at its lower end a clutch member I05, which co-operates with thegear segment I03 to prevent endwise movement of the sleeve I04. Slidablyand rotatably mounted in the sleeve I04 is a steel rod I06 provided onits upper end with a collar I01 between which and the gear segment I03is a coiled spring I08 normally tending to slidethe rod I05 endwiseupwardly. The lower end of the rod I06 extends into and through a coilI09, such end of the rod serving as a core, so that when the coil I09 isenergized the rod I06 will be moved downwardly against the tension ofthe spring I08. The coil I09 is connected to leads I09a, I091), of anauxiliary circuit, which is closed in the manner later set forth. IIOindicates an arm suitably fixed to the rod I05 above the coil I09, thehub of the arm being provided with clutch elements H0 (see Figs. 18, 18aand 18b) to form a clutch member arranged to engage and disengage theclutch member I05. That is, when the coil I09 is deenergized, the springI08 will maintain the clutch member H0 in engagement with the clutchmember I05, whereby rotation of the latter will swing the arm IIO aboutthe axis of the rod I06 (see Figs. 18a and 18b), but upon energizationof the coil I09, the clutch member IIO will disengage the clutch memberI and permit the arm III) to swing to its normal or mid-position (seeFig. 18) under the influence of a spring III. As shown in Figs. 15, a,18, 18a, 18b, the spring III is suitably connected at its inner end tothe lever wall 22a" and at its outer end to the outer end of the arm II0.

From the foregoing description it will be observed that when the lever22a is swung toward the left, as viewed in Fig. 7, the arm I II] willswing counter-clockwise (see Fig. 18a) and movement of the lever 22atoward the right will swing the arm He clockwise (see Fig. 18b). Theupper face of the arm H0, adjacent its outer end is provided with acontact III!" (the purpose of which will later appear) connected to alead I "la, forming part of the main circuit 251:. I I2 indicates asupport formed of insulating material and suitably secured to the armI02. The bottom face of the support H2 has secured to it spaced contactor conductor elements H3, H3, electrically connected by leads H4, H4, tothe coils 25, respectively (see Fig. As shown in Fig. 17, the conductorelements H3, H3, are spaced at their inner ends, to prevent engagementof the contact H6" therewith when the arm I I0 is in normal position andextend in curvilinear directions laterally concentric to the axis of therod I06, so that when the arm H6 is swung in either direction thecontact H0" thereon will engage one of the conductor elements H3, H3,and connect the adjacent coil 25 in the main circuit 257:.

The main circuit 250: is traced as follows: from the negative side ofbattery 26, lead 41', lead 41", contact 39 and contact 38', lead- Illla,contact Illl, conductor elements H3, H3, leads H4, 54, connected to therespective coils 25, leads 25a from the coils connected to the movablecontact of the normally closed switch 5I (later referred to) and lead25a connected to the positive side of the battery 26.

From the foregoing description it will be observed that in each movementof the lever 22a, the arm H6 will be operated in one direction to closethe circuit through one of the coils 25 and upon seating of the trigger3B in any selected notch 28a, thereby closing the main circuit 25m, thecore 21 will be operated in one direction to open the valve I? to supplyfluid under high pressure to one end of the cylinder I4a. It will bealso observed that the trigger 38 will maintain the main circuit 251:open during movement of the lever 22a in either direction,notwithstanding the simultaneous movement of the contact H0" on the armIII] into engagement with one of the conductor elements H3, H3. Uponmovement of the adjacent flap 6' to the position determined by theindexing mechanism 22, the coil I69 will be energized in the mannerlater set forth, due to operation of the release means 2|, to releasethe arm I H! from the clutch I 65 on sleeve I64, whereby underthe'influence of the spring III the arm He will return to its normalposition ready for a succeeding operation and open the main circuit253:. As shown, the gear train IIlIalIl3-I03 provides a reduced ratio ofmovement of the arm I It! with respect to that of the lever 22a forobvious reasons, since suflicient movement of the arm is only requiredto effect engagement of its contact H6" with one of the conductorelements H3, H3.

Upon operation of the valve release means 2I', as later set forth, andopening of the main circuit 25x, the spring I9 automatically returns thevalve elementfl' to closedpositlon and the core 2! moves to its normalposition. In any succeeding operation of the lever 22a the valve elementwill be moved to either open position dependent upon the direction ofmovement of the lever 22a.

The valve releasing means 2I' comprise the following (see Figs. 3, 3c,3d, 4 and 5): 51 indicates as an entirety a follower carrying thecontact device 46 and'operatively' connected to the adjacent flap 6' formovement therewith in 0pposite directions, whereby the contact 4% ismoved into engagement with the operated core 23:0 of that solenoid 231'corresponding to the contact through which the circuit 44' has beencompleted in operation of the lever 22a to a selected indexing position.The follower 51 preferably consists of a tubular member 58, slidablysupported in the outer side wall 23a and a bracket 23a" supportedthereby, and a connector 59 pivotally-and slidably connected at itsinner end to the inner end of the tubular member 56 and pivotallyconnected at its outer end through a link 59a to the flap 6', theconnector being preferably hinged intermediate its ends on a bracketfixed to the side wall We. The tubular member 58 telescopes over theinner portion of the rod 46', which is formed of conducting material,and rigidly supported on, but electrically insulated from the adjacentside wall 23a (see Fig. 3c), the rod 46 forming part of a separatecircuit 60'. As shown, the outer end portion of the rod 46' is providedwith screw threads to take nuts 6I which are tightened against theopposite sides of the adjacent side wall 23a to rigidly connect the rodto the latter. The inner wall of the tubular member 58 is lined withsuitable insulating material to insulate it from the rod 46'. Thecontact 46 is shaped to surround the tubular member 58 (see Fig. 3d) andon its upper side it is formed with a slot 46a in which is mounted asteel roller 46b arranged to roll on the rod 46', the roller beingloosely mounted on a steel shaft 460 which is mounted at its oppositeends in the side walls of the slot 46a. The end portions of the shaftare provided with flats, which are engaged by springs held r undercompression by screw plugs 46c threaded in openings formed in the topside of the contact 46. As shown, the contact device 46 is insulatedfrom the tubular member 58 by a section of insulating material 62 andthe opposite sides of the roller 46b are provided with insulatingmaterial to insulate it from the tubular member 56, whereby the currentflow is through contact 46, shaft 460, roller 46b, to the rod 46. Itwill be understood that the cylinder I4a is of a length to provide apiston stroke long enough to swing the flap 6 from one extreme positionto its other extreme position and that the connection of the rod 58 withthe fiap relative to the pivot I2 is related to the travel of thecontact 46 from zero position in either direction to stop the flap ateither of its extreme limits of swinging movement or at anypredetermined intermediate indexing position.

The circuit 60' is traced as follows: lead Eta connected to the positiveside of the battery 26, coil of the solenoid 5 la (later referred to),which may be of any desired construction, bus bar 6%, leads 600 from thebus bar to the cores 233s of the solenoids 23:12, respectively, contact46, rod 46' and lead 6001 which is connected to the negative side of thebattery 26.

The movement of the flap 6 serves to move the contact 46 into engagementwith the elevated core 23:12 (see Fig. 3),-the effect of which is toclose the separate circuit 66', thereby energizing the coil of thesolenoid 5 la which opens the switch E1 51 (which is no mally heldclosed by a spr n as later set forth), to. break the main circuit x.

It will be noted that the operating means El and the indexing mechanism22 in co-operation wit the automaticv release means 2i, which permit thereturn Qf; the valve element I? to closed p ition. under the influence fthe spr I94, operateto movctihc flap 6' from normal position into anypredetermined angle relative to the wing 6 in either direction and backto normal position, or from. any predet rmin d an to ano herpredetermined angle or. from any angular position atone: sidcof thenormal position f the.- flap. 6. to any angular position at the o DQsiteside of: it normal position, these ranges of operation being-1.551.1918, due to-the fact that upon completion of each operation tomove the flap s, to a predetermined position, the valve I1 closes, thecircuit through the coil 25 (which was energized in effiecting "such,operation) is broken and the succeeding operation, of the lever 22aserves to connect. in the main circuit either coil 25 dependentuponthedirection of movement thereof.

It will be. observed that. in operating the lever of the indexingmechanism 22 to-a predetermined position the secondary circuit. 44. isclosed for the purpose. of energizing'the coil of the solenoid 23:1: inthat circuit corresponding to. the contact 45. selected for engagementand this solenoid in turn operates. the adjacent, core 232: to raise thelatter in position for engagement by the movable contact 46; also. uponengagement of the contact 46 with theoperated corefiwf, the separatecircuit'66 is closed. The-movable contact of switch I 5| is connectedtdthe-core'EIc of the-solenoid 5Ia, the coil of wl-iichis-connected inseries in the separate circuit. *Iill' (as; already set forth), so thatwhen thiscircuit. is-closed the solenoid operates to breali'themaincircuit 25a: through the switch 5i tov die-energize the previouslyenergized coil 2 5..'of the solenoid, 24.

The switch devices, I are; mounted in a housing I45 suitably fixedto-t-heside wall of the casing for the table I! opposite. to the arms20, 20a (see Fig. 4;) and comprise the following: I45a indicates a,disk'fixedto; but insulated from the-inn r face oftne end wall: of thehousing I45 and pr vided with (c) 6 pairs of contacts I451: disp sedequal distances. from the axis of the shank o the valve c1.em.entIT'-.each pair of contacts being spaced equal; distances from an imaginaryvertical plane-cutting said-axis, as viewed in Fig. 24. and (o) pairsOf: QQntactsMScsimilarly related to said axis, but, spaced from-saidaxis on radii less than that of'the contactsifib. The contacts I45b ofeach pair thereof are, connected by a lead M51) and one contact I,4.5b,-of each pair is connected to the lead d; whereas the contactsI450 of each pair thereof are connected by a lead I450 and one contactI45cof each pair-is connected to the lead 41'. I46. indicatesa: diskfixed to and rotatable with the shank. -H"'- ofthe valve element H (seeFig. 20) in opposed relation to the disk M511 and provided with a. pairof spaced contacts I41 conncititciii by a lead I41 and a pair of spacedcontacts-I48, connected by a lead I48. As shown, the contacts I41, I48,are mounted on an imaginary diameter of: the disk, I46, the contacts I41being disposed on radii equal to that of the contacts I45bandithe-contacts I48 being disposed on radii equal to that; ofthecontacts I45c. The contacts I41, I4-&, are positionedon the disk I46so that when thcrvalve l;-1; ismoyed to closed position theQQIItacts-IA'I', M8. will be positioned between the contacts I451 I450(see Fig; 21),. and hence effect opening or the circuits; 44' and 6,6,but when the. valve element i1 is operated to either open position (seeFigs. 22 and 2.3:), the. contacts I41; will e a e thev opposite, relatedcontacts I452) and the contacts I48; will engage the opposite relatedcontacts I'45c to close the, circuits and 60.. It. will therefore. be.seen. that when the valve element I1. moves to closed posin, t e sparate. circuit 60', as well as the. circuit as, is broken, to eliminatedrain-on the battery 26.

zen indicates as. an entire y means controlled by the solenoid 51cvforauttnnatically discong. the arm. III! of: the make-and-break meansfrom the sleeve Hi4, whereby the arm i moved to. its nQrraaLpQsitiQnunder the in.- fiuence of the spring I, IL and for rte-establishin he min circuit. 25:: through the normally closed switch 5|. 7 oi thedisconnecting means 26.0, 2110c indicates a switch the. movable Contactof which is connected to the core of the solenoid ,5Ia (see Figs. 3 and3c) so that when the. coil thereof is tie-energized the, switch 266aisopen and when this coil is energized to, open. the switch 5I and breakthe main circuit 2-5a; the; switch 200111 is closed to close inauxiliary circuit 200'. The circuit 266' is traced as; follows: lead41', con.- tacts of switch 200a, lead i091), coil of solenoid Hi9 andlead IIIQa c n-nected to lead; 4 1a. It will thus be seen that when the.separate circuit; 60 of the release means 2.;Iis closed 'thc, switch 5Iwill be opened to. break thc'main ci-rcuit 25g and thepreviouslyenergizedv coil 25- will be de-energized, whereupon the springI9 will close the valve I1 and move the core 21. to its normal positionsimultaneouslybreakingthe circuits 44' and 60, and the solenoid I119will operate the core, I06 and disconnect the. arm Ill-0 from the sleeveI04, whereupon, the arm will; swing to, normal position ready for asucceeding; operation and also break the main circuit 2511:, through thecontact I II! and oneof the conductorelements I13; 3'.

The solenoid 5Ia is, mounted in a suitable case 5I' removably mountedinany desired position, for example, on top of, the cylinder I40. (seeFig. 3). The solenoid-consists of a coil 5 I" suitably secured to thebase, which is formed of insulation material, for the case 5| and acore. sic (formed of iron or steel), provided at one end with onecontact ofv the, switch 5|, and at its, opposite end one con-tact ofthe; switch 208a, these contacts being suitably insulated from the;core. The end portion of; the core 5I c adjacent to the switch; 5|; isprovidedwith a collar 5L0 between which and the adjacent end wall of.the coil 5 I is a coiled; spring 5,Id normally tend ing to move the coreendw-ise (toward the right: as viewed in Figs. 3 and to maintain the,switch 5| normally closcd solong, as the coil 5|" is de-energized. Inthis arrangement, when the; coil H is energized, he core5ic will bemoved toward the left, the efiect of which is; to openthe switch 5| andclose the, switch 2199a, where-- by the, main circuit 2511s broken andthe aux:- iliary circuit 209 islclos'ed Operation: Assuming that, the;lever 22a is in neutral position and the airplane pilot wishes to swinthe flap- 6' downwardly to the first predetermined incl-ined position:the plunger 31 ispressed downwardly to release the trigger 38; from 0,notch 2811!, which breaks: main circuit 25m between ther-contact-38. andcontact- 39, and thenv the lever 22a; is moved toward the left (asviewedin Fic; 7a" and the plunger re-'- leased to set the trigger in notch 28adesignated 1. .This operation has (a) operated the arm llilcounterclockwise to engage contact lie thereon with the conductorelement H3, thereby closing the main circuit through the leads connectedto the coil 25 (at the left as viewed in Fig. 3), (11) broken the maincircuit 2dr through the contact 38 and contact 39 and the secondarycircuit :34 through the annulus ill and contact 45 for the position andupon seating of the trigger 38 in indexing notch 1, (c) ire-establishedthe main circuit 25m through the contact 38 and contact 39, and (d)re-established the circuit 44' through the annulus 44 and contact 45 forthe latter indexing position; so that the coil of the solenoid 23xcorrespond ing to indexing notch 1 has been energized, the effect ofwhich is to raise the core 23:0 of the solenoid in position to beengaged by the contact 26 (see Fig. 3) and (6) opened the valve ill toadmit the fluid under high pressure from pipe it to the outer end of thecylinder Ma and connect the inner end of the cylinder to the pipe Eta topermit discharge of the fluid from the cylinder into and through thelatter pipe, due to the increased fluid pressure supplied from the pipeiii, as shown in Fig. 3, which shows the core 2'? in operated positionand the piston it at starting position to move outwardly to swing theflap 6 to the selected predetermined position. As the piston 54 movesoutwardly (toward the right as viewed in Fig. 3) the contact it willengage the elevated core 239: and close the separate circuit 60', theeffect of which is to energize the coil of solenoid Ma and as themovable contacts of switches 5!, 200a, are carried by or connected tocore of the solenoid em, (a) the switch 5! will be opened to break themain circuit 25x, thereby de-energizing the coil solenoid 24 andpermitting spring It? to return the valve element ll of valve I! toclosed position (see Fig. 3a) and the core 2'! to its neutral positionand (b) the switch 200a will be closed, thereby energizing the coil I99and releasing the arm Hi) from the sleeve I114 to permit the arm toswing to neutral position. As the closing of the valve I! shuts 01f thefluid connections to and from the opposite ends of the cylinder Ma, thepiston will be positively held against movement in either direction andthus rock the flap 6' in its operated or adjusted position. By reason ofthe return of the arm lit and core 21 to neutral position and the valveii to closed position following the adjustment of the flap in anypredetermined position, the lever 22a of the indexing mechanism 22 maybe moved to neutral position or to any desired indexing position tooperate the flap 6' to the selected position.

Provision is made for detachably connecting the levers 22c togetherwhereby both flaps 6' may be operated as a unit as the result of asingle manual operation. For this purpose the grips are are providedwith inwardly extending, alined hollow members 4212" in one of which ismounted a bolt 63 movable endwise into the other member, the wall of thebolt carrying member having an offset recess 63a and the bolt having apin 64 slidable in the slot and arranged, when the bolt is rotated tomove into into the off-set recess 63a and lock the bolt 63 in extendedposition with the two members Mb" detachably connected together. Byretracting the bolt 63, the members 4217" are detached to permitmovement of the levers 22a independently.

In the construction and arrangement shown in Figs. 1 to 16, inclusive,provision is made for swinging the flaps 6' (a) from normal positionupwardly to an extreme position designated 0 and. two intermediatepositions designated A and B and (b) from normal position downwardly toan extreme position designated 6 and five intermediate positionsdesignated 1 to 5, respectively, as will be understood from the indiciashown in Fig. 9; it being observed that when the levers 220: are swungin the same direction about the shaft 28' both flaps 6 will be swung inthe same direction.

The means herein disclosed may be employed to operate the movablemembers of an airplane which are to be moved simultaneously but inopposite directions, for example, the ailerons I, as shown in Fig. 1. Inthis arrangement the connections of the branch leads to the c0i1s 25 ofthe solenoid 2G for one operating means 2! are reversed with respect tothe connections of the branch leads to the coils 25 of the otheroperating means 2!. As shown in Fig. 1, the ailerons l are connected topower means l lzr (shown in dotted lines) each consisting of a cylinderand a piston therein connected to the adjacent aileron, adapted to beoperated and controlled by means similar to that already described andshown in Figs. 1 to 16, inclusive, except that the branch leads for thecoils 25 are connected as above set forth, so that when the levers 222(see Fig. 14) are moved together in the same direction, one aileron lswings upwardly and the other aileron l swings downwardly. The indexingmeans 2!:1: for these means provide for operation of the ailerons equaldistances upwardly and downwardly, as shown in Fig. 14.

From the foregoing description it will be observed that adjustment ofeither flap 6 to any predetermined position and from such position toneutral or another predetermined position is effected merely by theoperation of one of the levers 22a, the devices which control thecircuits being operable automatically to swing the flap to and lock itin any selected position and following the movement of the flap 6 to anyposition these devices assume their normal position ready for asucceeding operation to move the flap to a different position; also, byproviding in the main circuit 25a: a cut-out (contact 38 and contact 39)which can only be closed by the final seating of the trigger 38 in oneof the notches 23a, the lever 22a may be moved about its axis in eitherdirection any desired distance without danger of effecting movement ofthe flap 6', this arrangement being important as the pilot in moving thelever into registry with any selected notch may release the triggerbefore such registry takes place or swing the lever beyond the selectednotch, but in either event the devices will not be operated since thetrigger is ineiiective to close the circuit 25a: until it is seated inthe notch.

In my construction, I provide a pair of related levers for the flaps anda pair of related levers for the ailerons, each pair of related leversbeing provided with detachable connections between them, whereby eitherlever of each pair may be operated independently of the other adjacentlever. Accordingly, both flaps may be simultaneously moved upwardly ordownwardly, whereas the ailerons may be moved simultaneously in oppositedirections, but by providing separate levers for the flaps and separatelevers for the ailerons,

either flap may be operated independently of the other flap or the flapsoperated in opposite directions or one aileron operated separately ordifferently relative to the other aileron. In these arrangements it willbe seen that the pilot may operate the flaps and ailerons to meetabnormal conditions. For example, in taking off and before altitude isreached the pilot finds thathis forward speed is reduced and one wingstarts to drop into a bank and the airplane turns, the pilot may swingthe aileron on the other wing up to its extreme position and adjust theaileron on the dropping wing to meet the existing condition and thusright the plane and avoid a burble on the dropped wing; or assume thatone wing (the right wing) has been damaged or partly broken oil, so thatit has lost a large portion of its lift; In this abnormal condition, theflap on the right wing can be lowered and the flap on the left wingraised to right the airplane, at least sufficiently to make a safelanding.

It will thus be understood that the flaps may be; operated to meetvarious abnormal conditions, in addition to their operation in makinglandings and that the ailerons may be variously controlled underabnormal conditions, as Well assupplement the operation of the movementof the flaps in an emergency to avoid possible damage.

This control arrangement of the flapsand/or aileron may also beadvantageous where'landing takes place on one landing gear due to-thedamaged condition of the other landing gear;

It will be observed fromthe foregoing descrip tion that where anapparatus is provided with two or more controlling or movableparts eachoperated by an operating means as herein disclosed, and one of the partsbecomes inoperative or in eiiective, wholly or partially, the other partmay be operated to full advantage to compensate for the inoperativepart.

As shownin Fig. Ya, I provide a pair of levers 222' which may beoperatively connectedto-other movable-parts of the. airplane, such asthe el'evators, landing gears or the rudders, andoperated and controlledin themanner already set forth in connection with the. flaps 6'.

Tothose skilled in; the: art to whiclimy=invention relates many changesin construction and widely differing embodiments and'appli'cations ofthe invention will suggest themselves without de parting from thespirit; and scope ofthe'lnven tion. My disclosures and the descriptionherein are purely illustrative and: are not intended to be in any senselimiting.

What'I claim is:

1.,In. an airplane having a swingable member" arranged to control theflight or maneuvering thereof, the combination of fluid operatedmeans:comprising a cylinder, apiston therein connected to said member, fluidsupply and discharge con nections for each end'of said cylinder, fiuidsup ply and discharge means, a valvebetween said" fluid supply anddischarge means and said connections and aspring normally tending toclose said valve to cut on the flow of fluid to and from said cylinderbut arranged when moved iii-either direction to permit fluid supplyto-one end of the'cylinder. and discharge of fluid from its'op positeend, an operating device movable to selected" positions, means formoving said valve toeither. open positionagainst the tension of saidspring upon movement ofsaid deviceto any se lected; position, elementsbetween said device andsaidimoving means operated by said deviceformaking saidmoving: means. operative: to movesaid valve, and an indexingmechanism having a series of movable elements arranged to be selectivelypre-set by said device co-ordinately with the operated position thereofand an element moved by said member for engaging the pre-set element,operatable independently of said device to make said valve moving meansiii-operative, when said member moves to the selected position, wherebysaid valve is closed by said spring.

2. In an airplane having a swingable member arranged to control theflight or maneuvering thereof, the combination of hydraulically operatedmeans comprising a cylinder, a piston therein connected to said member,liquid supply" and discharge connections for each end of said cylinder,liquid supply and discharge means, a valve between said liquid supplyand discharge means and said connections, a spring normally tending toclose said valve to cut off the flow of liquid to and from said cylinderbut arranged when moved in either direction to permit liquid supply toone end of the cylinder and discharge of liquid from its opposite end; adouble acting solenoid the core of which is operatively connected tosaid valve to move it in either direction into open position, a circuitincluding a source of electrical energy, a switch arranged toalternately close the circuit through the coils of said solenoid and aseparate normally closed switch in said circuit, a series of movablecontacts one for each operating position of said member, each contactbeing connected to one side of said source of electrical energy, a leveroperatively connected to said first mentioned switch and arranged whenoperated in either direction to close said circuit through one coil of'said solenoid, indexing mechanism controlled by the movement of saidlever to any selected position to operate one of said contacts, afollower connected to and operated by said member, connected to theopposite side of said source of electrical energy and arranged to engagesaid operated contact and close a separate circuit, and electrical meansin said separate circuit for operating said separate switch to breakthecircuit through the energized coil of said solenoid; whereby said valveis released for movement to closed position by said spring.

3. In an airplane having a swing-able member arranged. to control theflight or maneuvering thereof, the: combination of. hydraulicallyoperated means for swinging said memb'erfrom normal to'an operatingposition, said means including a cylinder, 2. piston therein operativelyconnected with said member, liquid supply and "discharge connections foreach end of said cylinder, liquid pressure supplyand discharge means,a-valve: between said supply and discharge means and said connectionsarranged when: moved in either direction to simultaneously connect saidliquid. supply means WithJth'eJ liquid connection for either end of saidcylinder and the discharge connections.- with the opposite end ofv saidcylinder, and means for controlling the operation of said valve,comprising a spring normally tending, to closesaid valve, a source of.electrical energy, a double acting solenoid the core of which isoperatively connected to said valve for moving, it in-either' directionto open position, a circuit for the coilsof said solenoid connected tosaid source 10; 0felectrical energy, a switch'for' closingithe circuitthrough either coil of said solenoid, a separate normally closed switchin said circuit, a lever arranged when moved in either directiontooperate said'first mentioned switch to close said circuit, an indexingmechanism com- '17 prising a plurality of contacts, one for eachpredetermined position of said member, connected to one side of saidsource of electrical energy, a contact connected to the other side ofsaid source of energy and operatively connected to said lever formovement thereby into engagement with any selected one of said firstmentioned contacts, to close a separate circuit therethrough, a separatesolenoid'connected in series in each of said separate circuits, a springoperated core for each separate solenoid arranged to be operated inopposi--- tion to its spring when the coil of the solenoid is energized,the cores of said separate solenoids being electrically connected to oneside of said source of electrical energy, afollower electrically saidsupplemental circuit for operating said sep-iw arate switch tobreak'said first mentioned circuit, whereby said valve is operated toclosed position by said spring.

4. In an airplane having a movable member for 18 mounted lever, gearingcarried by said lever and having meshing engagement with a fixed portionof the airplane, whereby said gearing is driven by themovement of saidleverto operate said contactor, separate gearing carried by said leverand having meshing engagement with a fixed portion of the airplane,whereby said gearing is driven by the movement of said lever, meanscontrolled by the range of rotative movement of said separate gearingfor operating one of said devices in advance of the movement of thememher, and means controlled by the member upon movement thereof to theselected position and the operated device for disengaging said conv,15connected to the other side of said source of cur-'- 1 controlling theflight or maneouvering thereof-f the combination of power means foroperating said member in opposite directions, electrical means forcontrolling said power means to move said member to predeterminedpositions in either direction, said electricalmeans including a levermovably mounted on said airplane to move-in opposite directions, asource of electrical energy, a main circuit, a normally closed switch insaid circuit, switch devices carried by said lever in in-operativerelation during movement thereof- Ibut operable upon movement of saidlever to any selected position, a separate switch controlled by themovement of said lever and operable from a mid positionin eitherdirection to connect in said main circuit to operate said power means ina direction co-ordinated'with the direction of movement of said lever, acontact on'said lever electrically connected to one side of said sourceof energy, a plurality of separate contacts on said lever electricallyconnected to the op-" posite side of said'source of electrical energy, amember rotatably mounted on said lever and provided with a contactmember arranged to electrically connectsaid first mentioned contact withany one of said separate contacts, gearing betweenaportion of saidairplane and said rotatable member for rotating the latter duringmovement of said lever to close a circuit through the contacts engagedbysaid contactmember, and, electrical means controlled by the lastmentioned circuit andsai d member ior breaking said main circuitthroughsaid normallyclosed switch and said separate switch and returning saidseparate engaged from said'elements but arranged to engage eitherthereof to control'the-direction of 'movement pg said power means, anindexing mechanism having a series of devices each movable to'anoperative position, a swingably tactor from one of said elements.

6. In an airplane, having a member movable from normal to differentoperating positions at opposite sides of its normal position, a manuallyoperable device, indexing means having a plurality of separately movableelements operable for preseleeting any predetermined operated positionof said member, --one of said elements being operated by said device ineach operation thereof, electrical-means controlled by said device forsetting said power means in operation for moving said member fromanyposition to the preselected operated position in either direction, andseparate electricalmeans controlled :by' said member when moved to'thepreselected position and said operated'element for making the firstmentioned electrical means inefiective independently of saidoperable'device. 7. In-an airplane having a movable-member, thecombination of power mechanism for operating said member in eitherdirection, a device movable from normal position in'either direction forsetting said power mechanism in operation, a contact operativelyconnected to and moved by said member, and electrical means forcontrolling said device, said means including a source of electriccurrentsupply, a main circuit and secondary circuits connected to saidcurrent supply source, separate circuits connected to said currentsupply source and each arranged to be controlled by one of saidsecondary circuits and closed by said contact, a double acting solenoidhaving coils each arranged to be connected in said main circuit, thecore for said solenoid being operatively connected to said movabledevice, a make-and-break mechanism for connecting either one of saidsolenoid coils in said main circuit, indexing mechanism for selectivelyclosing each of said secondary circuits, a lever for operating saidmake-and-break mechanism and said 8-; The arrangement as' claimed' inclaim 7 wherein is provided a switch in's'aid main circuit farranged tobe opened duringmove'nient of said lever. c c

The arrangement 'as 'clai'mediin" claim 7 wherein is provided'swit'clrd'evice's operated :by

said movable devlce'for closing and'op'enin'g' certain of said circuits.10; The'arran'gementas claimed in' 'claim '7 wherein are provided means?controlled ibyisaid electric-device for -disconnecting saidimain circuitthrough said make-and-break mechanism: 1::

1 1. Inan airplane having; a; movable member, the combination ofpowers-mechanism for :operating said member in eithe direction, a devicemovable from'no'rmalf position in either direction "forsetting saidpowerjme'chanismin operation,

'19 acontact operatively connected to and'mov'ed by said member, andelectrical means for controlling said device, said means including asource of electric current supply, a main circuit and secondary circuitsconnected to said current supplysource, separate circuits connected tosaid current supply source and each arranged to be controlled by one ofsaid-secondary circuits and closed by said contact, a double actingsolenoid having coils each arranged'to be connected in said maincircuit, thecore for said solenoid bein operatively connected to saidmovable device, a

make-and-break mechanism in said main circuit having a movable elementarranged to connect either one of said solenoid coils in said maincircuit, indexing mechanism for selectively closing each of saidsecondary circuits, a lever, operating connections between said leverand the movable element of said make-and-break mechanism and saidindexing mechanism for operating said mechanisms, a normally closedswitch in said main circuit, and an electrical devicecontrolled by theclosing of each separatecircuit for opening said normally closed switch,means controlled.

connected to and arranged to be-movedby saidmember, electrical means,controlled by;- said manually operated device, for setting said powermechanism in operation, said electrical means including a sourceofcurrent supply: and amain circuit having a normally closed switch, andelectrical means consisting of separate movable contacts, means foroperating each oi? said i movable contacts into the path of movement ofsaid separate device,a circuit connected to said source of currentsupply, between each of said first men-- tioned contacts and one of saidoperating means arranged to be closed by the operation of said indexingmember to a-. selective position and means controlled by the engagementof saidseparate device with the operated movable contact foroperatingsaid switch to open position to make said first mentioned electricalmeans-ineffective upon movement of said member to the -positioncorresponding to the selective position of" said indexing member. i

13. In an airplane-having amember swingable from a normal position topredetermined operating positions, fluid operated means forswinging saidmember, electrical means for controlling'said swingable member,electrical means for'control ling said swinging means, said controlmeans including a source of electrical energy, a contact connected toand operated bysaidmember, an indexing mechanism comprising a--plurality-"of circuits connected to said source o1 energy and a movableelement arrangedto closeone of said circuits when operated to'apredeterminedposition, a solenoid connectedin'seri'es in each of saidcircuits andarrangedWhen it's coil is' energized to operate'thecore orthe solenoid into the path of movement of said device; a maincircuitconnected to'said source of electrical energy, a switch in said maincircuit, a manually operated device for closing said main circuit,electrically operated means in said main circuit for setting saidswinging means in operation, upon closing of said main circuitandelectrical means, including a separate circuit for each of said firstmentioned circuits, arranged to be closed by the engagement of saidcontact with the operated core of the solenoid energized by the closingof one of the first mentioned circuits, for operating said switchto opensaid main circuit.

14. In mechanism having a movable member, asource of current supply, acircuit connected tosaid source of supply, a contact movable with saidmember in said circuit, electrical power means connected to said sourceof supply for operating said member to and from predetermined positions,a manually operable device, an indexing mechanism having a series ofcontacts each connected in the circuit for said first mentioned contactand separately operable into position for engagement by said firstmentioned contact to selectively limit the'movement of said member fromone position to another position in either direction, means operated bysaid device for setting said power means in operation, separate meanscontrolled by said device for selectively operating one of said lastmentioned contacts, and separate means responsive to the engagement ofsaid first mentioned contact with the operated last mentioned contact toopen the circuit for said power means, whereby saidmember is stopped atthe selected'indexed position.

15. In an apparatus having movable member, the combination of fluidoperated means for operating said member in either direction, a valvefor controlling the supply fluid under pressure to said means anddischarge of the fluid therefrom, the valve element for said valve beingoneable fromclosed position in either directionto open position tocontrol the flow of the fluidto and from said means, a double actingsolenoid having a core connected to said valve element, a springnormally maintaining said valve element in closed position and said corecentrally of the coils of said solenoid, a sourceiof electric energy, amain circuit connected to one side of said energy supply source andhavinga normally closed switch and branch circuits for said coilsbetween said main circuit and the other side of said. energy supplysource and each having. a normally open switch, a lever, means operatedby. said lever for closing one of said normally open switches when thelever is operated in either direction, whereby oneof the coils isenergized to. effect movementiof said core and operation of said valveelement to open position, and electrical means for opening said normallyclosed switch when the movablemember moves to the selected predeterminedposition, whereby said spring operates-to closethe valve element andmove said core to its central position, independently of the position ofthe movable member and said fluid operated means, said electrical meansincluding a series of movable contacts each forming the terminal of alead connected to one side of said source of electrical energy andselectively operated by thelmovementof said lever and a contactormovable with the movablemember and connected to the other side of saidsourceof energy supply and arranged to engage the operated contact andclose the circuit for said electrical means.

21 16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein means responsive tothe opening of said normally closed switch are provided for restoringthe normally open switch to open position.

EDWARD E. WALLACE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 561,271 Ongley June 2, 1896844,090 Bijur Feb. 12, 1907 1,379,895 Aveline May 31, 1921 1,683,175Falcke Sept. 4, 1928 1,841,629 Pigeolet Jan. 19, 193 1,880,019 HarperSept. 27, 1932 2,030,986 Havill Feb. 18, 1936 Number Number

